Last year, we offered some summertime safety tips, offering advice from everything from pet to water safety. This summer, since seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker, we are focusing on cooking grill safety. While this translates to a lot of tasty meals, it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2013-2017, fire departments went to an annual average of 10,200 home fires involving grills- including 4,500 structure fires and 5,700 outside fires. These fires caused an annual average of 10 deaths, 160 injuries and $123 million in direct property damage.

Grill safety is not limited to gas grills. The Boy Scouts of America also offer tips for charcoal fires, including using instant lighting charcoal or starter cubes, which are small blocks made of oil, wax placed underneath the briquettes instead of chemical fuels.

Rebecca Severson

Rebecca Severson is the Vice President and Corporate Director of Safety with more than 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. She is a graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, has held multiple roles within Gilbane and has served our country as an Air Force Bioenvironmental Engineer and Medical Group Commander. View LinkedIn Profile